Beloved actress Linda Lavin passed away at the age of 87 in a sudden turn of events. Lavin, known for her work on Broadway and her Tony nomination, made a mark in the industry with her roles on shows like Barney Miller before landing her own TV series, Alice. In the 1980s, she made a successful return to Broadway, clinching a Tony award, all while maintaining a presence on both the small and big screens. Recently, she had been actively promoting her new Netflix series, No Good Deed, and filming for her upcoming Hulu project, Mid-Century Modern. Her untimely demise on December 29 was confirmed by her public relations representative, citing complications from a recent diagnosis of lung cancer as the cause.
Born in 1937 in Portland, Maine, Lavin hailed from a family with Russian immigrant roots and a strong connection to the local Jewish community. Her early passion for acting was nurtured by her mother, a former singer. Reflecting on her childhood innocence and optimism, she once shared, “There’s a picture of me at 1 1/2… looking out at the world with wonder and joy and hope. That’s still me. I am still her.”
From her high school days to her college years at William and Mary in Virginia, Lavin’s journey eventually led her to New York City, where she dedicated a decade to establishing herself in the entertainment capital. One of her early milestones was a role in the Broadway production, It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, despite the show’s lackluster reception. Lavin’s rendition of the hit song “You’ve Got Possibilities” showcased her vocal prowess and determination, securing her a spot in the musical.
Lavin’s career continued to flourish with notable theater credits, including Last of the Red Hot Lovers, which earned her a Tony nomination. She tied the knot with actor Ron Leibman in 1969 and later relocated to Los Angeles. Her television career took off with appearances on shows like The Nurses, Rhoda, and Harry O, leading to a recurring role on Barney Miller before landing the iconic role of Alice in the sitcom inspired by the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
Despite initial doubts, Lavin thrived in the role of a widow-turned-waitress navigating life as a single mother in Phoenix alongside her on-screen son, played by Philip McKeon. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, she sought counsel from prominent figures like Gloria Steinem to bring depth and authenticity to her character. Lavin’s portrayal of Alice resonated with audiences, showcasing a different narrative of women’s strength, resilience, and independence.
Linda Lavin, known for her humor, once spoke about her desire to make people laugh and let them know they are not alone. She gained fame for her role as Alice in the television series that ran from 1976 to 1985. Lavin’s performance in the show earned her accolades, including one Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe wins. In later years, she returned to Broadway, winning a Tony award for her role in Broadway Bound and receiving additional nominations for her work in various plays.
On a personal note, Lavin went through divorces and remarriages, facing challenges such as accusations of emotional cruelty and financial mismanagement. Despite personal struggles, she continued to thrive in her career, appearing in TV series, films, and stage productions. She emphasized drawing inspiration from her own life experiences to enrich her performances.
Lavin’s recent projects included roles in the sitcom B Positive and the limited series No Good Deed. Her co-stars and collaborators praised her talent, warmth, and kindness, highlighting her contributions to the entertainment industry. Lavin’s sudden passing brought tributes from colleagues and fans, acknowledging her as a talented actress and a beautiful soul.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a beloved colleague whose presence brightened our days. The warmth and light she brought will be sorely missed by the entire staff and crew. Our lives have been enriched by knowing her.” Following the news of her passing, many of Lavin’s co-stars took to social media to share their heartfelt memories. Patricia Heaton, known for starring alongside her in Room for Two, described the actress as “a true friend and a total force of nature” in a touching post. Similarly, Joe Mantegna, a co-star from Criminal Minds, reflected on the rarity of forming a deep connection with a new friend, expressing how Lavin became just that for him and his family.
Linda Lavin, pictured above with Steve Bakunas in 2024, once shared her perspective on aging in the entertainment industry with The New York Times in 2014. She humorously noted, “There used to be a saying in the industry that if you made it to 70, things would start picking up. They were right. I have, and they did.” In 2005, Lavin tied the knot with artist and drummer Steve Bakunas after meeting him in 1999. Despite her initial reservations about romance and marriage, she opened up about how their unexpected bond took her by surprise. Reflecting on her growth in relationships, she acknowledged the importance of effort and shared a piece of advice she received: ‘Wear life like a loose garment, Linda. Lighten up!’
Furthermore, Bakunas played a significant role in Lavin’s life beyond their marriage. Not only did he support her in her cabaret performances, but he also collaborated with her on her artistic endeavors. Linda Lavin leaves behind her husband, Steve Bakunas, as she moves on to her next chapter.”
